Former Man United executive set to land new job after ill-advised Old Trafford stint

Former Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth is set to land a new role just five months after leaving Old Trafford.

According to The Athletic, the 54-year-old who left United last year is poised to return to the English Football Association.

Ashworth’s return to the FA is expected to be confirmed later this week.

He previously worked in the FA for seven years between 2012 and 2019, starting out as director of elite development before becoming technical director.

During that time, he helped to modernise the structure of the national teams, including contributing to England’s Under-17 and U20 World Cup triumphs in 2017.

He laid the foundation for a more unified and forward-thinking approach across the men’s and women’s teams.

Ashworth was a valuable member of the FA, so his return is a no-brainer. It also comes after a brief and ill-advised spell at Old Trafford.

The renowned talent spotter joined United as director of football in July 2024, after a protracted exit from Newcastle United.

He was handed the keys to United’s operations and was tasked with overseeing football performance and recruitment.

However, he only lasted five months in the job and was axed in December.

According to reports, there were growing tensions between Ashworth and INEOS chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who, at the time, had recently taken on a minority ownership stake and controlling interest at the club.

The official statement claimed Ashworth left United by mutual consent, but it was clear that the partnership didn’t work out as either side had hoped.

United’s financial statement earlier this year confirmed the high cost of Ashowrth’s short-lived appointment.

The club spent a combined £4.1 million on hiring and severance-related costs.

The situation was branded as a misstep by the United hierarchy in what has otherwise been a crucial transitional period for the club’s leadership.

Ashworth will now return to the FA, where he built a reputation as a shrewd operator.

With John McDermott serving as the men’s technical director, Ashworth will likely return in a more wide-ranging strategic role.

Article written by onyekachiuwanabi .